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| Ruth C. Bliss Graduation Photo- Class of 1887 Courtesy of Northfield Mount Hermon Archives |
Ruth C. Bliss was born in Longmeadow, MA on November 2, 1866. She was the daughter of William E. and Mary Wood Bliss. William Bliss was a farmer. In 1881 when Ruth was 14 years old her father died. He left his wife and a large family behind. The Bliss family were members of the First Church in Longmeadow, MA.
Ruth Bliss completed her education in Longmeadow's schools and then she was able to continue on with her studies. She was accepted at the Northfield Seminary for Young Ladies located in East Northfield, MA. According to her application to this school "A friend chose the school for her". Ruth was described as "Cheerful & studious" and "Has always held a good rank in school". The studies that she had taken in the Longmeadow schools were "Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Geography, Grammar, History U.S., Commenced Latin & Natural Philosophy".
The Northfield Seminary for Young Ladies was founded by the Evangelist Dwight Lyman Moody. It opened its doors in 1879. Later, this school merged with Mount Hermon School for Boys that was also founded by D. L. Moody.
To attend this school each student paid a tuition. The yearly tuition for Ruth Bliss was paid by a generous benefactor. The generous benefactor was the prominent Springfield, MA resident and businessman Marvin Chapin. Mr. Chapin was the founder of both the hotel Massasoit House and the Springfield Fire and Marine Insurance Company. Both were located in Springfield.
Mr. Chapin's son-in-law David Allen Reed contacted D. L. Moody regarding accepting Ruth to the Northfield Seminary for Young Ladies. David Allen Reed went on to found Springfield College in Springfield, MA.
Miss Bliss completed her education at the Northfield Seminary for Young Ladies and was one of the members of the graduating Class of 1887.
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| Northfield Seminary for Young Ladies Graduating Class of 1887 (Ruth C. Bliss first row on left.) Photo courtesy of Northfield Mount Hermon Archives |
While in China Dr. Ruth C. Bliss met the Missionary Rev. John J. Boggs (from Iowa). They were married in Canton, China in April of 1896. Their daughter Agnes Louise Boggs was born in Canton in 1899.
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| Springfield Daily Republican Feb. 9, 1900 |
From time to time Rev. and Dr. Boggs would travel back to Longmeadow, MA to visit her family and also for special occasions.
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| Springfield Daily Republican Sept. 6, 1910 |
Another occasion was the 200th anniversary celebration of The First Church in Longmeadow.
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| Springfield Republican Oct. 17, 1916 |
They returned to live in the United States after completing their missionary work in China. Rev. Boggs became a professor at Rollins College in Florida and then at Hastings College in Nebraska.
On October 18, 1930 Dr. Ruth Bliss Boggs died in Hastings, Nebraska. In her lifetime she had become a physician and a missionary. The young girl who grew up in Longmeadow, MA attended a private school with the financial help of a distinguished Springfield, MA businessman. She earned her medical degree and traveled to China to help other women and children. Dr. Ruth Bliss married and also raised a daughter. Her daughter Agnes became a teacher. Dr. Ruth Bliss Boggs was a kind thoughtful and caring woman who helped other people.
Additional Sources: Springfield Republican- June 27, 1899 and Oct. 20, 1930;
Northfield Mount Hermon Archives, Registrar's Office, Student Files, Northfield, Bliss #242N"
With Special Thanks to the Northfield Mount Hermon Archives
~Written by Judy Moran
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